Music Directors and Composers pay in New York
In New York, the median pay for music directors and composers is $39.87 an hour ($82,930 a year). About 2,370 people work in this job there.
That is 13% higher than the U.S. median ($73,710). New York ranks 5th of 30 states and territories for this job’s median pay.
Pay range for music directors and composers in New York
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $22.42 | $46,640 |
| 25% of workers | $27.35 | $56,890 |
| Half of workers (median) | $39.87 | $82,930 |
| 75% of workers | $67.42 | $140,230 |
| 90% of workers | $95.88 | $199,430 |
Music Directors and Composers pay in New York metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Syracuse | $140,230 | 120 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City | $97,970 | 1,520 |
| Rochester | $84,130 | 180 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh | $61,670 | 100 |
| Binghamton | $40,500 | 40 |
New York unemployment rate: 4.3% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for music directors and composers
- Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 4 to 6 years (O*NET)
- Experience usually needed to start: Less than 5 years (BLS)
- Job outlook: +1.2% over ten years, little or no change · about 4,200 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in New York
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Producers and Directors | $107,550 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $98,850 |
| Art Directors | $137,320 |
| Actors | $59,155 |
| Film and Video Editors | $103,440 |
| Sound Engineering Technicians | $87,510 |
| Therapists, All Other | $77,980 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $59,920 |
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.